Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist. If I did, fans would probably hunt me down for ruining one of the best stories in the UNIVERSE!
Beta: meowcubed3
"I finally have figured it out!" I looked over at my brother.
"What are you talking about?" He looked at me like I was crazy.
"I finally have figured out a way to become a state alchemist like Edward Elric!"
I rolled my eyes. Ever since we were twelve, Paul had been obsessed with Edward Elric the "Fullmetal Alchemist." He was always going on and on about how it was amazing that someone our age was able to transmute without a circle, not to mention that he was the youngest state alchemist in history!
"Paul, when will you give it a rest? There is no way Edward Elric will team up with you. He obviously has much more important things to do. Even if you do figure it out, who knows what effect it will have? You've studied alchemy for two years. I doubt you found the answer."
Paul glared at me. "I have, and I'll prove it! I found the right equation and formulas, and I will be successful! When the day comes, you will stand in this room and watch me do it too."
"Fine," I said, "Just don't do anything stupid."
My name is Virginia Simmons. My brother, Paul, is my twin. We have lived alone since we were ten years old. Our parents died during one of the wars. My mom was a nurse, and took care of wounded soldiers. My dad was a major in the military. He was an engineer, skilled working with machines. They both died when my dad was being treated and my mom was assisting two other doctors. Paul always took care of me. He always laughed at Paul's alchemy attempts, but still encouraged him.
I preferred building things with my dad. We would make kites, and he taught me how to fold paper and make it fly. He was awesome!
"Nia, can you help me real quick?" Paul held out his notebook. "Is this math right?"
I looked at the equation written. "Paul, your equation isn't balanced. You forget about heat transfer. How can you expect to be an alchemist if you can't do math?"
"Shut up! You may be good at math, but you can't tell the difference between Magnesium and Manganese!"
"Do you want my help or not?"
"Yes! Sorry! I love you, now please help?"
"Fine."
I watched as Paul walked over to the complex array. He smiled at me, excitement filling his eyes.
I rolled my eyes. "So, you think attempt number 389 is the one?"
"You know it!" He grinned, placing his hands down and starting the reaction. Electric blue light filled the room. His expression turned into one of worry when the glow turned am ominous violet. The lines seemed to come to life and reached towards my brother.
"NO!" I screamed in horror, "SOMETHING IS WRONG!" I ran over to him, fear and confusion covering both our faces. I pulled him from the inky black arms, threatening to steal him away from me. An eye appeared in the middle of the transmutation, and my fear escalated as the arms overpowered us and pulled us both into the daunting world within the eye.
Then, everything was calm. I slowly opened my eyes and saw white surrounding me. I sat up, dazed, and looked around. A large door loomed in front of me, and I walked towards it.
"Welcome." A sudden voice surprised me. "I see you have come to the gate."
"W-who are you?"
"I am one. I am all. I am the world. I am God. I am the Truth."
"T-the truth? Is this what my brother was looking for?" I turn to see a person who is completely white and has no face, save an eery smile.
"Your brother found what he was looking for, but paid the price. When he saw you over there as well, he pleaded with me to send you back unharmed. So I took him up on his offer. His body and spirit for your safety."
"No..." I couldn't believe it! Paul may have been annoying, but he still pulled through in the end! He wouldn't sacrifice his life like this! He can't be... gone. I need him! "I need my brother! He is the only family I have left! Paul has his flaws, but he is MY brother! He doesn't have my permission to sacrifice himself!" Tears streamed down my face.
"You're one of the more interesting people I've come across. I like you, so I'll make a deal with you."
"A deal? What's the catch?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"The toll has been paid, so I will give you the knowledge behind alchemy, the truth. In addition, if you are able to find the secret to the world, I will even return your brother to you."
"I'll do it, if it can get Paul back!"
"Good." The door creaked open as black arms once again shot towards me. The Truth slowly transformed into my brother as the arms dragged me into the darkness.
Everything was black. Then a light appeared. I felt knowledge pouring into my mind as visions danced in front of my eyes. It was amazing, as if all the world's history was being replayed right in front of me. And then it was over and everything was black again.
I woke up on the floor of the study. Was it really all a dream? I thought before the memories rushed into my head.
I searched the room, but all that was left of Paul Simmons were his clothes. Tears welled in my eyes as I mourned the loss of my brother.
Get a hold of yourself! I need to be strong! It's up to me to get my brother back! I stood up and wiped my face. I knew I had to become stronger. I grabbed a bag from the closet. I put all of Paul's research notes and my dad's notes in it.
I will never forget your sacrifice. It will not be in vain! I filled the rest of the bag with clothes, food, money, water, and a map of Amestris. I packed my brother's clothes too, if I might need them, and prepared to leave. I took one last look at the place I called home for the last 12 years of my life, and closed the door walking away.
"Next time I return, it will be with Paul by my side," I vowed.
I walked to the station. "Hey Nia!" the conductor, using my well-known nickname, called cheerfully. "Going on a journey? Paul said something about a 'life changing discovery.' Will he be coming back soon?"
I forced a smile. "He is a bit preoccupied and already left home. We are going to Central."
"Going to Central? I guess he is following his old man's footsteps. Best of luck to you two!" He gave me a thumbs up and returned to his work.
"Thanks" I quickly turned away before he could see the tears threatening to fall.
A/N: OH MY GOD! I am finally satisfied with this chapter. I was reading my story and realized how bad it was. With my fantastic beta meowcubed3, we created a masterpiece! This is not the same story! Prepare for a world of change!
manga-neko signing out! :3